If you are asking whether VapoLung fits with blood pressure medicine or a blood thinner, that is a question for your pharmacist or prescriber, who can check it against your full medicine list. Below is what the label lists, what federal and hospital sources say about the interactions that matter most, and what to bring to that conversation.
If you have sudden or severe trouble breathing, call 911 right away. The MedlinePlus first aid page lists calling 911 for life-threatening emergencies, such as when someone can’t breathe.
What is in VapoLung, according to the label?
VapoLung’s sales page describes it as “a dietary supplement in liquid form, developed for oral administration.” The label’s Supplement Facts panel lists one proprietary blend of 154 mg per serving. Inside that blend, the label names five botanicals: mullein (Verbascum thapsus) leaf extract 10:1, ginger (Zingiber officinale) root extract, bromelain (Ananas comosus) stem powder standardized to 2400 GDU/g, organic lemon extract, and organic Cordyceps militaris fruit extract. The amount of each ingredient inside the blend is the seller’s to disclose.
The label lists a serving as 4 sprays (0.60 mL) with 100 servings per container.
What do federal sources say about these label items?
| Label item | What the federal source says | Question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Proprietary blend, 154 mg per serving (five botanicals) | The Supplement Facts panel must declare each dietary ingredient, and, except for ingredients inside a proprietary blend, give the amount per serving (FDA questions and answers). | Ask the seller for the amount of each botanical inside the 154 mg blend. |
| Serving size: 4 sprays (0.60 mL); 100 servings per container | The Supplement Facts panel must list the serving size and the number of servings per container (FDA questions and answers). | Ask your pharmacist whether one serving once daily fits with your medicine list. |
| Dietary supplement label | FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are sold to the public (FDA 101 on dietary supplements). | Ask your prescriber whether a supplement like this fits your treatment plan. |
| Known medical condition (label caution) | Before taking any dietary supplement, talk to your health care providers and ask whether it has any safety risks (NIH fact sheet on dietary supplements). | Ask your prescriber whether the spray has any safety risks for your condition and medicines. |
The label’s caution says pregnant or nursing mothers, children under the age of 18 and individuals with a known medical condition “should consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.”
For ginger and bromelain specifically, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has a bromelain page on its usefulness and safety. Read it alongside your medicine list.
Can you take VapoLung with blood pressure medicine?
The NHS apixaban page, from the UK’s National Health Service, says there are medicines and supplements that “may not mix well with apixaban.” It names medicines for high blood pressure or heart problems among them. The same page asks you to tell your doctor or a pharmacist about any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements you take.
The AHRQ blood thinner booklet makes the same point for any herbal product: “It is very important to talk with your doctor about all the medicines you take, including other prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.”
Do blood thinners affect blood pressure?
The NHS apixaban page lists low blood pressure (hypotension) among the other serious side effects of apixaban. Its symptoms include feeling lightheaded, dizzy, tired or faint. Your prescriber can tell you which blood thinner you take and what to watch for with it.
Can you take VapoLung with a blood thinner?
MedlinePlus says “Blood thinners may interact with certain foods, medicines, vitamins, and alcohol.” It asks that your health care provider know all the medicines and supplements you use, through the MedlinePlus blood thinners page.
The AHRQ blood thinner booklet says “Other medicines can change the way your blood thinner works. Your blood thinner can also change how other medicines work.” It also names garlic, ginkgo biloba and green tea among the vitamins and herbal products to discuss with your doctor.
Bleeding is the most common side effect of blood thinners, according to MedlinePlus. It asks you to call your provider for signs of serious bleeding, such as red or brown urine, bowel movements that are red or black, bleeding from the gums or nose that does not stop quickly, and a serious fall or bump on the head.
For a separate supplement, our zencortex review covers blood thinners and bleeding disorders.
What can I take for inflammation while on a blood thinner?
The Cleveland Clinic blood thinner guide lists over-the-counter pain relievers, cold medicines and stomach remedies to check first. Its examples include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen sodium (Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol) and Excedrin. It says to check with your health professional about any potential interactions. It also notes that some of these do not apply to newer blood thinners such as rivaroxaban (Xarelto) or apixaban (Eliquis).
The NHS apixaban page lists painkillers or anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) among medicines that may not mix well with apixaban. AHRQ says products containing aspirin may increase your risk of bleeding when you take a blood thinner. Ask your prescriber which pain or inflammation option fits your blood thinner.
Foods and drinks to ask about with a blood thinner
AHRQ says high amounts of vitamin K can work against warfarin, while other blood thinners are not affected by vitamin K. For a closer look at vitamin K and blood thinners, see our vitamin k2 side effects article.
The AHRQ booklet also says that if you take a blood thinner, you should avoid drinking alcohol. It advises you to keep your diet the same and to talk to your doctor before any major change in diet.
What to bring to your pharmacist
AHRQ advises bringing a list of current medicines, over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin, and any vitamins and herbal products you take when you visit your doctor. Bring these three items:
- Your full medicine list, including blood pressure medicine and any blood thinner.
- The VapoLung label panel, showing the five botanicals and the 154 mg proprietary blend.
- The serving directions printed on the label: “Shake well before each use. Spray 4 pumps directly into mouth or onto tongue once daily.”
The seller’s package wording lists a 60-day supply for the 2-bottle pack, 90 days for the 3-bottle pack and 180 days for the 6-bottle pack. The label lists 100 servings per container.
A supplement is not a replacement for prescribed treatment, and changes to your medicines are for your prescriber to decide.
Before you order
- Ask the seller for the amount of each botanical inside the 154 mg blend.
- Check the Supplement Facts panel on the bottle you receive against the label text above.
- Take the full medicine list and the label to your pharmacist before you decide.
By Sense and Evidence Health Research Team